If you're that far behind, then the issue is likely something outdated, or assets conflicting. The best way to proceed is to get the latest update and replace everything. If you get the issue after that, then I might be able to help.
There already are secrets, that encourage exploration. I really don't see the point of score items, since points don't do anything in the game. A life system would be too much hassle and everybody hates lives systems nowadays, anyway. And I kinda hate SS4's upgrades and gadgets system too, so that's definitely not happening. Secrets are a mapper's responsibility to make it worth looking for them. Or making a map that relies more on exploration. I'm not good with making secrets and I prefer classic gameplay, so that's what I'm going to make.